Making A Kiln Lid

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on the type of cement to use to make a new kiln lid. Have been searching but haven't found anything that's made for lids, most cements I have found say not to use on lids. I am in the process of making a new gas kiln and would like to cement this one instead of drilling and cinching with all thread as I did on the last kiln. I have some amaco kiln cement, would this work? Will be firing mostly to cone 5-6 with an occasional cone 10.

I think that any kiln lid you construct will have to have some form of compression support at the circumference. Over the years I do not recall ever seeing in books or studios a lid without some form of external support-angle iron and threaded bars etc. I would check the library on kiln construction if you haven't already.

Is this a typical front loading gas kiln? If so, just build an arch. It's just as quick and infinitely stronger. I wouldn't trust mortar to hold together the top of a kiln that is any more than 28 inches across. Give us some more info about the kiln. Size, shape, wall thickness, materials, etc.

Is this a typical front loading gas kiln? If so, just build an arch. It's just as quick and infinitely stronger. I wouldn't trust mortar to hold together the top of a kiln that is any more than 28 inches across. Give us some more info about the kiln. Size, shape, wall thickness, materials, etc.

Arches are elegant and very strong. We use that design on larger kilns. Should you decide to make a flat top, here is a video that shows how to cement the bricks together. As you will see, making a lid is an art form. The people who cement lids for a living are as skilled as brick layers. Note that the bricks are not sprayed with water, because the cement is applied very rapidly to the bricks. The long pan is essential.

Thanks for the replies. The kiln is going to be top loading square kiln, 36" square outside with 4.5" wall thickness giving it 27" square inside. Using 9x3x4.5" 2600 IFB with a hard brick around the gas ports to prevent damaging soft bricks. It will have 2 intake ports and a downdraft exhaust. Will be using propane as a fuel source. And yes I reckon I do mean mortar instead of cement. Was also considering making it a two piece lid for weight purposes. Ill be lifting on and off most likely unless I decide to fabricate a hinge system.

Not sure where you live but the right cement can be had from Hi-Temp in Portland Or, it comes in 5 gallon buckets and can be shipped-they make it themselves on site-I have used the super 33 for gluing bricks but they have another made for skutt kilns that would be a better choice.Call them and talk to them-they are not a potters supply business but will sell you a tub.Ask for Jeff